The Howard Leight Impact Sport is the number 1 selling electronic earmuff on the market. They are competitively priced, low profile, comfortable to wear, and best of all, they work very well. These electronic earmuffs are designed to do two things. First off, they protect your hearing by cutting off any noise that exceeds 82 dB. A quick Google search pointed me to information on OSHA’s website which shows the set cutoff exceeds OSHA standards. The second thing the Impact Sport does is amplify ambient sound up to 82 dB. This means that although gun shot noise is reduced, you are still able to clearly hear other things around you.
How many times have you been out shooting and pulled your hearing protection off or to the side so you could have a conversation? With this product, that is no longer necessary. While wearing them you can hear everything perfectly fine without anybody needing to raise their voice. Not only are your ears better protected but awareness is raised because you can now hear range safety officer commands and RSO’s can hear and respond quicker to any situations that may arise. If you are taking any firearms training classes, you should have these. In fact, there are some training facilities who actually require electronic hearing protection for all students and staff. Those of you who may already have some hearing loss will appreciate the ability to turn up the volume so you can hear instructions. For hunters, you can turn the volume all the way up and get 3x amplification for the sounds around you. This allows you to hear hogs, deer, etc…as they approach.
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The microphones located on both sides of the headset are used to pick up the noise and feed it through for processing. These earmuffs have a noise reduction rating of 22 dB. There is also a mini plug that you can use to connect an iPod or similar device so you can listen to music. Audio levels are adjusted by an easily accessible knob on the side of the units.
They weigh in at 10.5 oz with the 2 included AAA batteries which are said to have a 350 hour life. There is a 4 hour auto shut off feature in case you forget to turn them off.
I decided to shoot the video for this review at Discount Firearms & Ammo because their store carries the product and one of their employees, “Brooklyn” John, has had experience with several different types of electronic earmuffs. When I asked John to help out, he happily agreed. Check out the video below to see how the Impact Sport worked for him.
Last January I bumped into Chris Leight at the SHOT Show. Chris took a few minutes to talk with me about the full line of Howard Leight products and really went into the specifications and sound measurement in great depth. Chris also offered to send us some product for review and giveaway.
Chris sent me 5 sets of the Impact Sports, 1 for review and 4 to giveaway. He also sent me out a case of Howard Leight Protective Eyewear so each winner will receive 2 pair of these as well! In this case, we are going to give 1 pair away each month. The drawings will be on February 7th, March 7th, April 7th, & May 7th, 2012. As usual, the winners will be randomly chosen from the comments left below. If you wish to be entered into the drawings, it’s as simple as posting a comment on this page. Be sure to read the “GIVEAWAYS” page for additional rules and regulations.
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{ 267 comments }
Those look great! I’ve been looking for some good high quality ear protection for a while now but I haven’t checked out the electronic sets. Thanks for the review.
CM
Good review. Thanks!
I could definitely use some new eyes and ears, count me in please!
Been eyeing a set of these for all the reasons mentioned in the review.
Looks great!! Bonus for playing your iPhone music!!
I am still using some el cheapo plastic ear inserts. These would make an excellent upgrade.
Thanks for the great review!
it would be great to stop using the disposable foam ear plugs!
I got a chance to try on a pair a friend has. They have a very natural sound and to be able to hook into an MP3 player makes me want a pair even more.
Add some to your next order.
RSR Item #: HLR01526
Availability: 393 Units
Another great review and giveaway!
I have a pair of Impact Sports that I’ve used for about a year now. They are very nice and work well. My one gripe is that I wish they made the foam around the ear cup a little thicker, kinda tough to get a good seal where the skull is a little boney behind the ear. At least for me. If the foam was a little thicker they would be perfect.
They make another pad that snaps right in. Not sure if that will make any difference in the fit but it could be something to look into.
http://www.howardleight.com/ear-muffs/cool-pads
I have some non-electronic pairs, same maker, but to be able to plug in my mp3 player…Shazaaam!
I find that when wearing my own glasses, I get a nice tight fit around the ears. When I wear ‘shooting glasses’ the bows always seem too thick and never let the foam close tightly around the ear.
These sound like the solution to many of my problems and concerns. I will have to get a pair of these newfangled electronic doohickeys to try. I repaired electronics from TV/radio up to infrared and x-ray cat scanners, so excuse me. For years all I ever saw was broken electronics and I have a trust issue.
“newfangled electronic doohickeys”
That’s awesome. I’m gonna go add that the the tags right now.
Look great. Need a set.
I love mine. I found these to be significantly more comfortable and better built than the Caldwells.
always wanted to try these but never sure about reviews until i actually try them myself
These ear muff are great. I need to get a second pair for people I take shooting with me.
I’ve been thinking about investing in some electronic earmuffs. These seem to be pretty nice.
Great review, count me in for the drawing. Thanks!
Count me in for a pair. I’m still using regular inserts and nothing when I go hunting. I’d like my ears not ringing when I return home for once.
great review. They seem to have gotten it right. Count me in for the drawing
I tried these with a buddy of mine. The worked great. They allowed us to communicate without having to remove the muffs! Great product!
I have a custom molded pair of earplugs that do a great job of protecting by ears…but its hard to hear what I need to hear with them in. This looks like the best of both worlds
I will be trying them out this SHOT Show. I’ve spent tons of money on ears in the past and haven’t found “the one” yet so maybe this will be it.
Being that I have somewhat damaged my hearing from previous outings out in the range with some terrible ear protection, this product would be a great edition for my day out on the range to once again enjoy recreational shooting without the worry of further damaging my hearing
Count me in for a pair of them, please!!!
These are very well built and comfortable. They are priced very well too…. a very good investment to protect your hearing. Haven’t tried out the eye protection yet but its on my list…
These work very well, and I of course would love to win a pair!!!
i would like to win these and use them for shooting and for when I work and operate machinery
Great review.
These are awesome ! My buddy got a pair. He called me from the range and talked to me through them with his i phone plugged in !
I had a pair of these before, they were awesome. I need to look into getting another pair once I can scrounge up the money. However I bet they would have worked better for the guy in the video, had he read his instructions and had them on the correct way! If they worked that good on his head incorrectly to where they aren’t fitted around his ears correctly with a good seal then imagine how well they work if they were!
Nothing in the package indicated which direction they should be worn. I also checked the website. Other things I have seen suggest he was wearing them right since they are directional headphones intended for picking up noises behind you and not those from down range. However, in the video, Chris puts them on the way you are suggesting.
I have a set and really like them. Good ears for the price.
I’ve only really ever used plug style ear protection but I wouldn’t mind giving these a try.
I have a set of these and love them!! I would like to get another set to lend out to friends I take out shooting!
I can always use a pair. These work very well and are comfortable. They do not get in the way when shooting a rifle or shotgun. Overall, they are an excellent addition to for your shooting needs.
Those look very nice and because they are so slim it looks like you would have no issues with your ear protection laying on your buttstock like I have with the ear muffs I currently use
They look great .. I’ll be stopping by to check them out.. I like the reviews on them
I would love to have a set of these when shooting with the kids.
I have been looking for reasonable, practical & functional ear protection for some time now. I was so impressed by your review that I have already ordered a pair. Thank you for saving what is left of my hearing!
Good review, been mulling over a pair of electronic muffs for awhile now
My motto has and always shall be: “Never turn down free stuff” and I’m not about to make an exception.
I have regular muffs now and would love a pair of electronic ones!
Shooting to music? That will be a new experience. I’m in.
Maybe I can use these at work too for aircraft noise.
I have a pair – they are very nice. Now I need a couple for the kids for when we hit the range.
I have one pair now and they are great. I thought it was great hooking my iphone up to them until my wife called and i accidentally answered while on the range. she had no idea I was at the range, so you can imagine what she must have thought when she heard automatics rifles going off when I answered.
These look interesting. I’ve read a lot about the electronic earmuffs, but I’ve never actually had the chance to use any. I read the comment about hooking your iphone up to them. That’s pretty cool!
As a law enforcement firearms instructor, those would be very beneficial to me on the range
I need a new pair of ears, my industrial ear protectors are falling apart and feel like I have my head in a vise!
I tried these on at the SHOT show and will now be looking for a pair at this weekends gun show at the Cashman.
Looks awesome. I could use these at home. My wife tends to get above 85db.
LOL, Best reply yet.
I have a set similar to these. Would like to get another one.
I have been running these for close to a year now and must say that for the price they are hard to beat.
BIG PROBLEM!!! When the battery goes out there is no way to change to new batteries. No instruction manual either
Are you serious? This is what I like to refer to as “Pilot Error.” The “BIG PROBLEM” here has nothing to do with the product.
The earmuffs come with the batteries not installed. So, before you had to worry about the battery going out, you already installed them once. If you need a refresher on how to remove and install new batteries, check the second video 26 seconds in.
BTW, that info is in the included instruction manual as well.
Excellent review, thanks for the chance I have been Looking for an electronic set
I have been using the Peltor Tactical 6 Behind the Head model. I have found that I have to readjust them on my head often. I have been seeing this product being run by the guys at my Z.E.R.T. training classes lately. I will be trying them soon. I like they use dual forward and rear facing mic system and the jack for Mp3′s/Mic. Also the use of standard AA batteries are a plus. Thanks for the review.
Very nice!
The first winner has been notified. 3 more pair to give away!
Thanks. I’ll wear them and be happy!
Congrats Jim!
I want to thank the 702Shooter universe and Howard Leight for this great prize. For those that have them, I am sure my experiences will be as the same. I’ll post as soon as I get them. Thanks again!.
These look like just what I need! My pair of ear protection is way to bulky and its so hard to hear anyone talk to me. I was looking for a better pair that are more comfortable,provide some customization to hear instructors but also provide good protection when I shoot my LMT .308, these look perfect!
I’ve never used Electronic earmuffs, I could surely use some though.
responsible shooting should be a gun owners priority and that starts with safety. Great article, looks like a great product. Would love to have these for my shooting excursion.
I have used both radians and peltor. I tried these at the shot show and like the compression over the clipping. I will be picking up a pair of these. im also waiting for the pro verson.
Definitely a product I need…
nice item would love to try em out.
Howard Leight makes good ear protection.
Looks great. Thanks for a chance to win.
Awesome count me in as well
I would love a pair!!!
Count me in. Thanks!
Thanks, i would love a pair. Keep up the good work.
Congrats Jim I actually bought a set the other day and used them in the range I loved them!!! I know I prolly had wait a bit and maybe I be a lucky winner, but since I never win nothing buy them!!!
Yet another product I’ve heard about but never tried. Would be interesting to see how effective they are.
I got one of these and they are great.
These sound perfect for 3 gun training! Thanks for all of the giveaways!
I’ll have to check these out
The pair I have are great. Good performance at a great price.
Pretty hard to beat for the shooter on a budget.
These would blow away the ears i currently use!!
Nice ear pro. I’ve been looking at these for a while.
I would love a set.
Yee-haw, those look terrific. Count me in. And thanks for the chance to win.
Now those would be useful to have!
I have heard these are great, love to test this out.
I like the muffs. The glasses would be a bonus.
Good review. I’m in
Nice piece of equipment! Sure beats the foamies I usually use..
Sure would beat the cheap ones I’m using.
Looks like great hearing protection. Would be very useful for hunting.
Had a pair, liked the fit and function, they didn’t interfere with my cheek weld. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of loaning them and they were lost. Wouldn’t mind another set, and the extra eyes wouldn’t hurt either.
Being hearing impaired do to using firearms with unprotected ears years ago, I could use these to prevent further loss..
These are pretty much what I am looking for.
Been wanting a set of these for a while!
I’ve tried these with my Barrett .50
They are AMAZING!!!
These are solid ear pro. I’m in for the draw.
Getting some good ear pro would be a great thing – better than the cheap harbor freight ones I have!
Solid equipment for an avid shooter. Great review. Thanks.
i bet there better then my walmart earplugs ..lol
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